Mohamed Najem Open to the world, Mohamed Najem crosses continents using classical techniques and Arabic interpretation to create an original sound and style on his clarinet. His compositions, inspired by his grandfather's stories about his hometown, Jaffa, tell of its past, present and future. They reflect an eclectic combination of rhythms and melodies at the heart of which he shares musical stories and takes the audience on a journey, with the musicians of his quartet, who add a touch of modern jazz. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Bethlehem, Mohamed won first prize in Arabic music in the Palestinian national competition in 2005. He began playing clarinet and ney at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (CNMES) in Palestine, and graduated from the Regional Conservatory (CRR) of Angers. He performed as a soloist for the Palestinian Youth Orchestra for several years. He has performed and recorded with various groups and musical projects, including traditional, popular and classical ensembles, at local and international festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, La Défense Jazz Festival, Layali Birzeit, and the European Jazz Festival at Qatar.
